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Slaying the Monster

31/5/2019

Preperation for the 2019 FNB Megalies Monster
Interview with Team Pyga Euro Steel Pro-Cyclist, Phillimon Sebona

For our team, races like the Magalies Monster proves vital in the growth of our athletes. It also adds to their resumes and gives them the ability to test their form and performance before our bigger goals, such as the upcoming South African Marathon Championships at the end of June.

Sitting down and consulting with our athletes is vital for personal feedback and goal layout before an event, so we thought it would be wise to sit down with 2017 Magalies Monster victor, Phillimon Sebona and ask him ten questions about his season and the upcoming Magalies Monster.

Looking back at the past Sani2C, you and your teammate Pieter certainly achieved a massive milestone winning the final stage. Did this give you certainty about your form this season?
Yes, it gives me confidence that my form has improved since last season in which I first rode with Pieter.

Does the feeling of winning a stage or an overall race ever change for you?
Since my first race victory in 2007, every race victory since has given me the ambition to aim for more and achieve those goals. The feeling doesn’t change, but it adds to my drive for success in the upcoming races.

What is your biggest motivation going into an event like the Magalies Monster? Do previous races in this season affect this motivation and how?
To see improvement based on my previous years competing at the event. Coming out of a victory, it is always important to stay humble but to still know what you are capable of. At the Sani2c, I and Pieter overcame the conditions we faced, and this proved to me that it is possible to stand up after being knocked down.

It is clear that having the right sponsors in a pro-mountain bike team is vital to consistency in training and races. How do our partners help you in preparation for an event?
They understand that we are humans, not machines. We make mistakes, but they take into account who we are and that we can stand up after being shot down. No matter what.

Coming out of a final stage victory at the Sani2C, how did you adapt your preparation for the Monster?
Recovery was vital. I pushed very hard during the Sani and the most critical consideration going into a tough race like the Monster recovery means strength. I needed to keep my mental health high, as well as my physical health.

Looking back at 2018, what would you change at this year's race?
The thing that I will focus on the most, and buffered me last season was my tyre pressure.

You work at TRAILWOLF Cycles. How do you ensure that you recover during your day at work?
I am always on my feet, which means that I am not recovering as much as my teammates during the day. This means I have used the time away from work for my recovery. Sleep and hydration is essential.

How do you prepare the day before?
I try to drink as much water as I can, clearing out my body from toxins and lactic acid. I try and eat as healthy as possible. Carbs and Protein. Salads are also the right way of keeping the body clean and ready.

What about the FNB Magalies Monster makes you most excited?
It is a one-day event, but they treat you as if you were going to stay. It is challenging to leave the event.

What are your goals for the 2019 round of the Monster?
I want to slay the monster, and this means I will give my best to be in front of the race.

We are excited to be heading to ATKV Buffelspoort for the Magalies Monster, and we genuinely hope that both Phillimon and Pieter have a successful race tomorrow.

To everyone else competing, good luck and enjoy the ride.

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Oh, sweet victory!

20/5/2019

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Driving down to the start of the KAP Sani2c, all four of our athletes had their goals set high and were ready to battle against South Africa's best over the three days that laid ahead.

The Sani2c is a three-day stage race that takes place from Glencairn Farm, stops at Mckenzie Club and Jolivet then finishes in the coastal town of Scottburgh. For race organiser, Farmer Glen, a massive part of the event is the partners that contribute to the success of the race as well as tying in with the surrounding communities.

Photograph by Milan de Beer for Mediatic Studios

"Our 2019 Sani2c was a race that went exactly according to plan. The first day was fast and usually comes down to a sprint finish, here we finished second without losing any time.

On day 2 our plan was to make things hard as we climbed out of the Umkomaas valley. After a few efforts we finally managed to crack the other teams. Keeping in mind that there is still a lot more racing coming up in the next few weeks we decided to play things safe and save the legs on the final stage to minimise recovery time after the race."

The final stage went smoothly and it felt like a formality crossing the final finish line in Scottburgh and taking the overall win. The cherry on the cake was witnessing Phillimon and Pieter taking the final stage win. An excellent result for the team going into the rest of the season!" ~ Philip Buys

Photograph by Milan de Beer for Mediatic Studios

For Matthys, it's been a while since a race plan came together as good as this past weekends Sani.

"Over the last four years I've had three wins and one third place finish at Sani2C, but this year was truly special!

Special because of the way the whole team operated as a unit. Everything was planned and executed perfectly and the whole team pulled together giving it their all. You guys are all legends and I am lucky to have you all as my teammates.

Also a big thanks to Ollie and Pat for taking the time to come and support us, its always great having you there and it really means a lot! To Philly and Pieter, I'm so proud of you guys and love seeing the progression you bring at almost every race! Can't wait to see what you are going to do in the near future!

Philip, thanks for the great ride! It was awesome having you back at full strength and that we could fly together again!

I could feel that JoBerg2c had quite a big effect on me and I didn't have the legs to race how I would have liked, thankfully it was still enough to be able to make a move and hang on! I'm now going to take a short break to freshen up and get ready for one of my top 3 goals for the year, national marathon champs!" ~ Matthys Beukes

Photograph by Milan de Beer for Mediatic Studios

For Phillimon Sebona the final stage victory showed him the importance of not giving up.

"The 2019 Sani2C was a huge success for me personally. The 2018 season has shown me how important it is to look forward and work hard towards your goals.

The first day myself and Pieter couldn't hold on to the leading group and as soon as we lost their wheel, we realised that we would have to try again the day after. On the second day, it was Pieter who didn't feel too well and right before Iconic climb I had a bad crash leaving us dangling from the front group again.

After regrouping at Jolivet and taking precautions towards my injuries, we set off with a blistering pace on the final stage. This time, we were fortunate enough to hold the wheels of the leading group, which contained team NAD and our team of Philip and Matthys.

We held onto the group and fought our way to the finish on the Scottburgh golf course. As long as we battled to hold on, both Matthys and Philip nursed myself and Pieter and with their help we won the stage with a sprint finish against Matt and Stuart from team NAD. Coming out of this racing week, I can certainly reflect on my improved understanding of racing at the top level." ~ Phillimon Sebona

Photograph by Milan de Beer for Mediatic Studios

Being the youngest in our team and also the newest member it was clear for Pieter Du Toit that the Sani was an event where he could truly enjoy himself on and off of the bike.

"In the start of the race, we struggled to hold on to the leading group but Phillimon and I never gave up and claimed fourth on the first day.

After being greeted by a cold morning at Mckenzie Club, the second day took it's a toll on me and was the toughest for me throughout the event. After successfully clawing ourselves onto the lead group, Phillimon had a bad crash and we both were left to survive the day.

The third day was undoubtedly one to remember after the events of the first two stages. Phillimon and I had the fantastic opportunity to take the stage win after fighting to hold on to the blisteringly fast train that headed to the finish at Scottburgh." ~ Pieter Du Toit

Photograph by Milan de Beer for Mediatic Studios

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Slaying the Monster

Preperation for the 2019 FNB Megalies MonsterInterview with Team Pyga Euro Steel Pro-Cyclist, Phillimon Sebona

Oh, sweet victory!

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Preperation for the 2019 FNB Megalies Monster
Interview with Team Pyga Euro Steel Pro-Cyclist, Phillimon Sebona